The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently made a significant update to its definition of what constitutes “healthy” food, marking the first revision in over thirty years. This move comes as a response to modern nutritional guidance and aims to better align with the dietary guidelines for Americans set forth by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Under the updated definition, food products can be labeled as “healthy” if they meet specific criteria outlined in the dietary guidelines, including the inclusion of healthy food groups such as fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy, and grains. Additionally, these products must adhere to limits on saturated fat, sodium, and sugars to qualify for the designation.
Notably, the revised definition expands the range of foods that can be considered “healthy,” including higher fat options like salmon, nuts, seeds, and certain oils. Conversely, many ultra-processed foods that do not meet the criteria, such as cereals that lack whole grains or exceed sugar limits, will no longer qualify for the label.
To make it easier for consumers to identify and purchase “healthy” foods, the FDA has teamed up with Instacart to provide a streamlined online shopping experience. This partnership will help individuals make more informed choices when selecting products that align with the updated definition of what constitutes a healthy diet.
Overall, the FDA’s updated definition of “healthy” food reflects a more contemporary understanding of nutrition and aims to empower consumers to make healthier choices. By leveraging the latest dietary guidelines and partnering with online platforms, the FDA is taking steps to promote better health and wellness among the public.
